Resetting device for the digital rolls of counters

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a resetting device for the cipher rolls of counters with transmission pinions which are disconnected during the return of the cipher rolls by resetting fingers acting upon cams of the cipher rolls. The axle shaft of the transfer pinions is supported in slotted holes stationary in relation to the cipher roll axes.

United States Patent 1 1 11 3,711,684 Zielke 1 Jan. 16, 1973 RESETTINGDEVICE FOR THE 3,357,637 l2/l967 Stautmeister ..235/l44 HC DIGITAL ROLLS0 N R 3,53 L047 9/]970 Pfeiffer ..235/144 HC 3,552,644 l/l97l Zielke..235/144 HC [75] inventor: Alfred Zielke, Peine, Germany FOREIGNPATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [73] Assignee: ELMEG Electro-Mechanik GmbH,

p i Germany 1,143,348 2/1963 Germany ..235/144 HC [22] Filed: May 1971Primary ExaminerStephen J. Tomsky 2 AppL 40 Attorney-Molinare,Allegretti, Newitt & Witcoff [57] ABSTRACT [30] Foreign ApplicationPriority Data v The Invention relates to a resettmg device for the May15, I970 Germany ..P 20 23 80.8 i h r ll of counters with transmissionpinions I which are disconnected during the return of the cipher [52]US. Cl. ..235/144 HC rolls by resetting fingers acting upon cams of the[51] Int. Cl. ..G06c 15/42 cipher rolls. The axle shaft of the transferpinions is [58] Field of Search ..235/144 HC supported in slotted holesstationary in relation to the cipher roll axes. I 56] References Cited 18 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.l78,l ll 4/1965 Aucr..235/l44 H(' i b 3 t 5 71 A O c l J, l o 2" I 7 f e :J E

PATENTEUJAH 16 1973 3.71 l. 684

RESETTING DEVICE FOR THE DIGITAL ROLLS OF COUNTERS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION In the case of known counters of this kind which can be setback, the transfer pinions serve the purpose of stepping up the cipherroll of the next higher magnitude by one step after the preceedingcipher roll has completed one revolution. The transfer pinions have tobe disengagedfrom the cipher rolls during the resetting process becausethese cipher rolls have to be able to turn freely during the engaging ofthe resetting fingers on the appropriate cardioids or cam surfaces. Inthe case of the known counters, it has been attempted to coordinate theaction of the resetting fingers upon the cardioids or cam surfaces andto disengage the transfer pinions with one another in such a manner thaton the one hand, the pinions are disengaged from the cipher rolls beforethe resetting fingers start to act upon the cardioids or cam surfaces,and that on the other hand after the disengaging, the transfer pinionsengage with the cipher rolls again before the resetting fingers leavethe cam surface segments corresponding to the zero position of thecipher rolls again. This chronological succession of the motional workcycles serves the purpose that on the one hand, the cipher rolls do notalready receive a torsional moment through the resetting before thetransfer pinions have been disengaged since otherwise these transferpinions could lock or be destroyed, and that in addition thereto aftertheir zero position, the cipher rolls are rotationally fixed before there-engaging of the transfer pinions and can, consequently, not be movedunder the influence of vibrations of the like. This chronological motionworking sequence (disengaging of the transfer pinions, acting of theresetting fingers upon cardioid or cam surface and zero positions of thecipher rolls, holding of the cipher rolls in their zero position throughthe resetting fingers, re-engaging of the transfer pinions and swingingback of the resetting fingers into their rest position) is indeedrelatively often performed in satisfactory manner through the knownresetting devices. However, in the case of the known resetting devices,this strictly systematic succession is not always 100 percent guaranteedsince under certain circumstances, disturbances may easily occur. It is,therefore, the purpose of the invention in question to create aresetting device for the cipher rolls of counters in the case of whichthe described cycle of the motional processes is necessarily consecutiveso that no disturbances can result.

In the case of one known counter execution, a reset slide supported at alateral sheet bar is provided which can be operated either manually oreleetro-magnetically. At this reset slide, a lever arm is set up inrotary fashion which is rigidly connected with a return comb pivoting onan axle, carrying the reset fingers. In this set-up, a pinion bridgecarrying the transfer pinions is set up, likewise pivoting, on the sameaxle as the return comb, between the return comb and the pinion bridge,a friction coupling is provided. When the reset slider of this counteris operated, the pinion bridge as well as the reset comb are deviatedsimultaneously. However, dur ing this process the pinion bridge isdisengaged before the reset fingers have reached the cardioids or camsurfaces of the cipher rolls. After the deviating of the pinion bridge,this pinion bridge is placed against a stop so that with further movingof the return slider, the reset fingers can act upon the cardioids orearn surfaces during which process the return comb is further deviatedin relation to the pinion bridge. In this case it is effected throughthe friction between pinion bridge and return comb that during themoving-back of the return slider effected through a spring, the pinionbridge engages with the cipher rolls before the reset fingers are swungout of grooves in the cardioid cam curve corresponding to the zeroposition. After the engaging of the transfer pinions, the return comb isdeviated in relation to the pinion bridge again so that the resetfingers leave the cardioid grooves and the cardioids. With normalstress, this counter functions in sufficiently dependable manner. Inspite of this disturbances during the return process may occur. Thiscan, for example, take place when the return slider is charged in jerkyor sudden manner. In this case, the reset fingers may since their motionis necessarily coupled with the motion of the return slider engage withthe cardioids before the pinion bridge has a certain inertial and itsdeviation is only effected over a frictional force as a function of themotion of the return slider. If a moment of rotation is directed uponthe cipher rolls in this manner through the reset fingers before thetransfer pinions have disengaged, no resetting can take place at all. Ifthe transfer pinions are only disengaged a little, but not completely,this can result in an incomplete resetting and also in a damaging of thetransfer pinions and of the cipher rolls. In this case the transferpinions can also be twisted so that when they are swung in again, theyare located in a wrong position. A further disadvantage consists of thefact that even when the reset fingers release after the resetting hastaken place, the reset fingers can possibly be detached from thecardioids or cam surfaces before the transfer pinions have engagedagain. This can be caused if the spring effecting the friction betweenthe pinion bridge and the return comb weakens, or if the pinion bridgeis jammed in some other manner. Such a process allows the cipher rollsto turn freely until the transfer pinions engage again wherebysubsequent counting results can be adulterated.

Another known counter is constructed in similar manner and has likewisea friction coupling between its return comb and the pinion bridgecarrying transfer pinions. However, here the shaft common to alltransfer pinions is, in addition to being supported in the pinionbridge, still set up in slotted holes extending in the direction ofmotion of the return slider. In this case, these slotted holes serveexclusively as additional guideways for the axle shaft of the transferpinions. Because of this, this counter has likewise the same previouslydescribed disadvantages. Here, too, it is possible that the resetfingers can act upon the cardioids or cam surfaces before the transferpinions are disengaged and that the cipher rolls are through vibrationsor the like before the re-engaging of the transfer pmlons.

In the case of another known counter design different from the twodescribed counter executions (German Patent No. l,l43,348), the returncomb has a cam lying between two stops of the reset slider over whichcam the return comb can be moved. The pinion bridge set up on the sameshaft as the return comb is in this case connected with the reset sliderover a leg spring which is supported at the axle shaft of the transferpinions and at the cam. This spring serves simultaneously as top deadcenter spring 'for the cam. In the case of this counter, when the resetslider is manipulated, first of all the pinion bridge is moved throughthe leg spring connection. Thereafter, the cam engages with one stop ofthe reset slider so that the return comb is moved and, consequently, thecipher rolls are brought into the zero position. The return comb is heldin this position through the spring acting upon the cam so that when thereset slider is returned, first of all the transfer pinions engage againand then the return comb is' returned into its initial position againthrough acting of the other stop of the reset slider upon the cam.However, this sequence of the motional procedures is not positivelyactuated because the motion of the reset slider is only transmitted ontothe pinion bridge over a spring. Here too it is possible that because ofthe inertial of the pinion bridge or through its jamming, the resetfingers engage with the cardioids before the transfer pinions havedisengaged. During the return motion of the reset slider, it may alsooccur that the pinion bridge remains in its disengaged position and thereset fingers are detached from the cardioids in spite of this.

In the case of a further known counter, a return comb and a pinionbridge are likewise set up on a common shaft, in which case the pinionbridge and the return comb are pressed apart through a spring. In thisdesign, two stops are provided at the reset slider of this counter oneof which stops presses the pinion bridge in the direction towards thecipher rolls when the reset slider is not operated while the other oneacts directly upon the return comb when the reset slider is operated.Because of the spring, the return comb as well as the pinion bridge ismoved when the reset slider is operated. In this case, the turning pathsare proportioned in such a manner that the transfer points aredisengaged before the reset fingers can act upon the cardioids. When inthis execution the cipher rolls have been brought into zero positionthrough the effect of the reset fingers upon the cardioids, the resetfingers drop into depressions in the cardioids in this position. In thisposition, the return comb is locked by means of a spring-loaded blockinglever. When the reset slider moves back, this locking is terminatedagain through this slider after the transfer pinions have become engagedagain. In the case of this execution (just as in the case of the otherknown executions) it is disadvantageous that the power transmission fromthe reset slider to the pinion bridge takes place over a spring. Inother words, because of this spring, it is possible that with jerkymanipulation of the resetting key, the pinion bridge remains in itsengaged position when the reset fingers are already acting upon thecardioids. In addition when the reset slider is returned, the pinionbridge may remain in its disengaged position through jamming andpossibly also through inertia and the stopping of the reset fingers mayalready be cancelled through the reset slider again in spite of this.Thus, the cipher rolls would be, although they should not be freelyrotary. in their position. I

Summarizing, it may be stated with regard to, the known resetinstallations that all of them show jointly the same disadvantage.Namely, the moving of the pinion bridge is in none of the casesnecessarily coupled with the motion of the reset slider. Because of thisfact, these devices cannot guarantee that the transfer pinions aredisengaged in t ime before the reset fingers act upon the cardioids andthat the transfer pinions are engaged again before the reset fingershaveleft the point of the cardioids corresponding to the zero position.

This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the known resettingdevices and solves the tasks of attaining a positively actuatedsuccession of the described motional processes. This feature is achievedin that, after the setting to zero of the cipher rolls, the resetfingers are capable of being engaged in that position in which they restagainst the cardioid segments assigned to the zero position until thetransfer pinions engage with the cipher rolls again. Then the engagingof the reset fingers can be cancelled, and the axle shaft of thetransfer pinions is in operative connection with a reset member in sucha manner that it is necessarily removed from the cipher rolls at thetime of the beginning of the motion of the reset member in returndirection. The reset member only arrives at an operative connection withthe reset fingers after the transfer pinions have disengaged from thecipher rolls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the principles of this inventionin this case, the moving of the pinion bridge is necessarily coupledwith the motion of the reset member. The reset fingers hold the cipherrolls in their zero position through their catch until the transferpinions have engaged with the cipher rolls again. Therefore, when thereset member is operated, the motional processes of (l) the disengagingof the transfer pinions, (2) the acting of the reset fingers upon thecardioids and the setting to zero of the cipher rolls, (3) the holdingof the cipher rolls in their zero position through the reset finger, (4)the re-engaging of the transfer pinions and (5) the returning of thereset fingers into their rest position, follow one anotherchronologically by necessity. Consequently, in the case of the executionaccording to this invention, the indicated disadvantages of the knownresetting devices are eliminated because the transfer pinions cannot beengaged when the reset fingers are already acting upon the cardioids,and because the cipher rolls cannot be released by the reset fingersbefore the deviated transfer pinions are engaged with the cipher rollsagain.

The mentioned reset member is preferably a reset slide which, forexample, embraces the axle shaft carried in slotted holes extending inthe direction of the motion with a bore. Thereby, an operativeconnection is created through which necessarily at the beginning of themovement of the reset slide, the transfer pinions are deviated.

A further advantageous execution of the invention consists of thefeature that the axle shaft of the transfer pinions seizes throughslotted holes of the reset member proceeding in inclined fashion inrelation to its slotted guide holes.

In this case one can, for example, provide a vertically proceedingslotted hole in the reset slide while the slotted guide holes for theaxle shaft run at an acute angle thereto. Thus, ratio of the course ofthe reset member or reset slide to the deviation course of the transferpinions is greater. In other words, the transfer pinions only need to bedeviated for a relatively short distance and, nevertheless, a longerpath of the reset member or reset slide is available for the operatingof the reset fingers. This is favorable because on the one hand, as arule, the deviation path of the transfer pinions has to be kept as smallas possible in order to hold them in the proper position so that theyengage into the proper positions of the cipher rolls when they are swungback again. On the other hand, the path of the reset member should be asgreat as possible for the moving of the reset fingers so that not toohigh of a force is necessary for the resetting and the reset fingers donot engage too early with the cardioids of the cipher rolls at thebeginning of the movement of the reset member.

A further development of the invention through which the just mentionedratio between the path of the reset member and the deviation path of thetransfer pinions can be rendered even more favorable consists of thefeature that the slotted holes of the reset member consist respectivelyof a slotted hole extending in the motional direction of the resetmember which slotted hole passes over into a slotted hole thereto. Thusthe deviation path of the transfer pinions can be kept arbitrarily smalland the path of the reset members can be rendered arbitrarily big.Accordingly, the transfer pinions only need to be deviated just so farthat they just disengage from the cipher rolls. Since their devia' tionpath can be rendered constant, they can in this position, be placedagainst suitable stops to secure their position. In this position theiraxle shaft has then just traveled in their guide holes for such adistance that it arrives within the range of the slotted hole of thereset member extending in the direction of the motion of the resetmember. Thereupon, the reset member can be moved on without any morechanges in the position of the transfer pinions. In this case the pathof the reset member then only still conforms to the length of thisslotted hole extending in the direction of the motion which slotted holecan, of course, be designed arbitrarily with regard to its length.

A further advantageous development of the invention consists of thefeature that the catch of the reset fingers can be terminated directlythrough the axle shaft of the transfer pinions. When this catch isterminated directly by the axle shaft, it is assured that the stoppingof the cipher rolls in their zero positions is only eliminated after thetransfer pinions have re-engaged with the cipher rolls again. If thiscatch is terminated through other members, it may because ofmanufacturing tolerances or wearing manifestations possibly be difficultto accurately determine the moment of the unlocking of the cipher rolls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following a preferredembodiment of the invention is explained in more detailed mannerby meansofthe drawings.

In the drawings,

FIGS. 1-3 show similar longitudinal sections of a counter with a resetdevice according to the invention, in which case elements which are notessential for the invention have been omitted.

(ill In FIG. 1, the resetting device is shown in its rest position;

In FIG. 2, the resetting device is shown during its operation withtransfer pinions completely swung out, but with reset fingers not yetengaged; and

In FIG. 3 the resetting device is shown in that position in which thetransfer pinions have been deviated and the reset fingers are engaged inthe position corresponding to the zero position of the cipher rolls.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the counter illustrated inthe drawings, a casing l is shown with cipher rolls 2 provided withcardioids or heart-shaped inner cam surfaces 3 designed as inner curves.At these cardioids or cam surfaces 3, reset fingers 5 can move over axlejournals 4 which are jointly rotary with fingers 5 around a shaft 6 as abridge. An operating lever 7 is rigidly connected with this reset fingerbridge, which lever 7 is pivoted at one end of an intermediate lever 8.The other end of the lever 8 engages with a fork over a pin 9 stationaryin the casing l.

A reset slide member 10 designed in U-shaped manner is set up in casingl in such a manner that its U- shaped legs extend on both sides of thecipher rolls 2 while the bottom of the U runs outside of andtransversally to the casing 1. At the end of the U-shaped legs, thereset slide member 10 is pivoted at an armature l2 rotary around a shaft11. In this case, the armature 12 serves to guide reset slide member 10and simultaneously serves as a magnetic armature which can be pulled upagainst an electro-magnet 13. The reset slide member 10 can bemanipulated manually or by electromagnet 13 toward the right in thedirection of the arrows shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As its upperlongitudinal edge, the reset slide member 10 has a recess 14 into whichan offset 15 ofintermediate lever 8 extends.

In addition thereto, reset slide 10 has at each of its legs an angularlyshaped slotted hole which respectively consists of a slotted hole 16extending in the direction of the motion of the reset slide member 10.The slotted hole 16 passes over into a slotted hole running verticallythereto. With these angular slotted holes, the reset slide member 10embraces an axle shaft 18 over transfer pinions 19. This axle shaft 18is additionally supported in slotted holes 20 proceeding in inclinedmanner, stationary in relation to the axle of the cipher rolls 2. In theillustrated example, these slotted holes 20 are defined in bearing ribs21 rigidly connected with casing l.

A two-armed stopping lever 23 is pivotal around a shaft 22 which shaft22 is stationary in casing l. The lever 23 is provided with anose-shaped end or catch 24 at one lever end with which it can engageover an offset 25 at the reset lever bridge. With its other free leverend 26, stopping lever 23 is directed into the range of axle shaft 18. Atwo-armed spring 27 is placed around shaft 22 and is supported at leverend 26 and shaft ll so that nose-shaped end 24 of stopping lever 23 isbiased in the direction towards offset 25 at the reset lever bridge.

lf reset slide 10 is now manipulated in the direction of the arrowsshown in FIGS. 2 and 3 either by electromagnet 13 or manually,axle'shaft 18 of transfer pinions 19 moves up to the lower end of itsslotted guide holes 20 whereby the transfer pinions 19 are disengagedfrom the cipher rolls 2. In this position a stop or the like can beprovided for the transfer pinions 19 which holds them in accuratealignment. When the reset slide 10 is moved to the right in the positionshown in FlG. 2, it glides with its slotted hole 16 over axle shaft 18without any further moving of the axle shaft 18 during this process.With this motion of the reset slide member 10, this slide 10 engageswith the left edge of its recess 14 with offset 15 at intermediate lever8 so that this lever 8 is pivoted around pin 9 stationary in the casing1, during this process it deviates reset fingers over operating lever 7.These reset fingers 5 act during this process upon cardioids or camsurfaces 3 over their axle journals 4 so that the cipher rolls 2 areturned into their zero position. When they are in their zero position,axle journals 4 plunge into cardioid or cam traps 28 set up at the peakof the cardioids or cams 3. During this process, the spring-loadedblocking lever 23 can-engage over offset 25 with its nose 24 so that thereset fingers 5 are locked in the position corresponding to the zeroposition of the cipher rolls 2. This position is illustrated in FIG. 3.

When the manual or magnetic action upon the reset slide stops now, thisreset slide member is pulled back again into its initial positionthrough a spring 29. During this process, axle shaft 18 of the transferpinions 19 arrives at the right end of slotted hole 16 again so that ithas to necessarily slide up into its stationary slotted guide holes 20again and therewith causes the transfer pinions 19 to engage with thecipher rolls 2. Only after these transfer pinions 19 are somewhatengaged again, axle shaft 18 strikes against the free end 26 of blockinglever 23 and, consequently, terminates the blocking of the reset fingers5 at a moment at which the transfer pinions 19 are guaranteed to beengaged with the cipher rolls 2. With the further moving of the resetslide member 10 to the left as shown in the drawings, this reset slideIt) acts with the right edge of its recess 14 upon offset and therebyreturns reset fingers 5 into their rest position again.

From the described mode of operation, it should be understood that thechronological sequence of the individual motional processes ispositively actuated and that at no time it may happen that a moment isexercised upon the cipher rolls 2 when the transfer pinions 19 are stillengaged with them. Also, at no time may it happen that the 7 transferpinions 19 are disengaged from the cipher rolls 2 when these cipherrolls 2 are freely rotary. Consequently, it is assured that necessarilyfirst of all the transfer pinions 19 are deviated, then the resetfingers engage with the cardioids or cam surfaces 3 of the cipher rolls2, then the cipher rolls 2 are blocked in their zero position until thetransfer pinions 19 are engaged with them again. Thereafter the cipherrolls 2 are first of all unlocked andv the reset fingers 5 are returnedinto their initial position.

As an alternative to the above described embodiment, the angular slottedhole could also be setup in armature 12 or another reset member (notshown)'instead of in the reset slide 10. The position and preciseconstruction of the individual slotted holes, the position of thetransfer pinion shaft 18 and of the remaining parts can vary widely,too, within the principles of this invention. 1

It is to be understood that the embodiment of the invention which hasbeen described'is merely illustrative of one application of theprinciples of the invention. Numerous modifications may be made to thedisclosed embodiment without departing from the true spirit and scope ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A reset device for resetting the cipher roll of a counter having atransfer pinion for operating said roll comprising, in combination:

a casing;

a reset member mounted for sliding movement within said casing;

a transfer pinion moving means responsive to the operation of said resetmember including a pair of channels defined in said reset member and apair of inclined channels defined in a rib member connected in fixedrelation to said casing, and including an axle shaft on which saidtransfer pinion is mounted, said axle shaft being journaled in saidslide member channels and in said inclined channels for disengaging saidtransfer pinion from said cipher roll at a first predetermined timeafter the movement of said reset member in a predetermined direction andfor engaging said transfer pinion with said cipher roll at a secondpredetermined time after said reset memberis moved in a secondpredetermined direction;

cipher roll setting means responsive to the operation of said resetmember and connected to said cipher roll for rotating said cipher rollto a predetermined zero position at a third predetermined time aftersaid transfer pinion is disengaged from said cipher roll; and

means responsive to the operation of said reset member for holding saidcipher roll in fixed position after said cipher roll is set to said zeroposition and until said transfer pinion re-engages with said cipherroll.

2. The device as set forth in claim l including means for holding saidtransfer pinion rotationally motionless when said transfer pinion isdisengaged from said cipher roll.

3. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said resetmember issubstantially U-shaped having a pair of legs which extend on each sideof said cipher roll.

4. The device as set forth in claim 1 including a solenoid having anarmature operatively connected to said reset member to move said resetmember in said first predetermined direction.

5. The device as set forth in claim 1 including a bias ing springconnected between said reset member and said casing to return saidmember in said second predetermined direction.

6. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cipher roll settingmeans includes a reset finger rotationally mounted in relation to saidroll and adapted to act on the inner cam surface of said cipher roll tocontrol the position of said roll and linkage means responsive to themovement of said reset member for operating said reset finger to setsaid cipher roll at a predetermined zero position at said thirdpredetermined time after said transfer pinion is disengaged from saidcipher roll.

7. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cipher roll settingmeans includes a reset finger rotationally mounted in relation to saidcipher roll and adapted to act on the inner cam surface of said cipherroll, and wherein said cipher roll holding means comprises a leverpivotally mounted within said casing having an engaging end biased toblock movement of said reset finger when said finger locks said cipherroll, said lever also having a free end disposed in the return path ofsaid transfer pinion such that when said transfer pinion re-engages withsaid cipher roll, said lever is pivoted to release said finger lockingsaid cipher roll and said cipher roll is thereby released.

8. A device for resetting the cipher roll of a counter having a transferpinion for operating said cipher roll comprising, in combination:

a casing in which said cipher roll is mounted for rotatlon;

a reset slide member substantially U-shaped having legs extending alongeach side of said cipher roll mounted for sliding reciprocal movementwithing said casing;

a reset finger pivotally mounted within said casing and adapted to setsaid cipher roll to a predetermined zero position when said finger isactuated;

means directly coupling said transfer pinion to said reset slide memberincluding an axle shaft on which said transfer pinion is said shaftbeing channeled within a straight inclined path directed toward andremote from the center of said cipher roll such that when said shaftrests against one end of said path said transfer pinion is engaged withsaid cipher roll and when said shaft rests against the other end of saidpath, said transfer pinion is disengaged from said cipher roll, and alsoincluding a pair of slotted holes defined in said legs -of said resetmember, said axle shaft being journaled within said slotted holes, saidholes having a first longitudinal passage in the direction of resetmember movement, and a second passage connecting to said first passageand angularly inclined in relation thereto for disengaging said transferpinion from said cipher roll when said reset member passes a firstpredetermined point on the forward movement thereof and for engagingsaid transfer pinion with said cipher roll when said reset member passessaid first predetermined point on the return movement thereof;

means linking said reset member with said reset finger for actuatingsaid finger to set and lock said cipher roll to said predetermined zeroposition when said reset member passes a second predetermined pointbeyond said first predetermined point on the forward movement thereof;and

means responsive to movement of said transfer pinion for releasing saidcipher roll from said reset finger after said transfer pinion is movedtoward said cipher roll and is re-engaged with said cipher roll.

1. A reset device for resetting the cipher roll of a counter having atransfer pinion for operating said roll comprising, in combination: acasing; a reset member mounted for sliding movement within said casing;a transfer pinion moving means responsive to the operation of said resetmember including a pair of channels defined in said reset member and apair of inclined channels defined in a rib member connected in fixedrelation to said casing, and including an axle shaft on which saidtransfer pinion is mounted, said axle shaft being journaled in saidslide member channels and in said inclined channels for disengaging saidtransfer pinion from said cipher roll at a first predetermined timeafter the movement of said reset member in a predetermined direction andfor engaging said transfer pinion with said cipher roll at a secondpredetermined time after said reset member is moved in a secondpredetermined direction; cipher roll setting means responsive to theoperation of said reset member and connected to said cipher roll forrotating said cipher roll to a predetermined zero position at a thirdpredetermined time after said transfer pinion is disengaged from saidcipher roll; and means responsive to the operation of said reset memberfor holding said cipher roll in fixed position after said cipher roll isset to said zero position and until said transfer pinion re-engages withsaid cipher roll.
 2. The device as set forth in claim 1 including meansfor holding said transfer pinion rotationally motionless when saidtransfer pinion is disengaged from said cipher roll.
 3. The device asset forth in claim 1 wherein said reset member is substantially U-shapedhaving a pair of legs which extend on each side of said cipher roll. 4.The device as set forth in claim 1 including a solenoid having anarmature operatively connected to said reset member to move said resetmember in said first predetermined direction.
 5. The device as set forthin claim 1 including a biasing spring connected between said resetmember and said casing to return said member in said secondpredetermined direction.
 6. The device as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid cipher roll setting means includes a reset finger rotationallymounted in relation to said roll and adapted to act on the inner camsurface of said cipher roll to control the position of said roll andlinkage means responsive to the movement of said reset member foroperating said reset finger to set said cipher roll at a predeterminedzero position at said third predetermined time after said transferpinion is disengaged from said cipher roll.
 7. The device as set forthin claim 1 wherein said cipher roll setting means includes a resetfinger rotationally mounted in relation to said cipher roll and adaptedto act on the inner cam surface of said cipher roll, and wherein saidcipher roll holdIng means comprises a lever pivotally mounted withinsaid casing having an engaging end biased to block movement of saidreset finger when said finger locks said cipher roll, said lever alsohaving a free end disposed in the return path of said transfer pinionsuch that when said transfer pinion re-engages with said cipher roll,said lever is pivoted to release said finger locking said cipher rolland said cipher roll is thereby released.
 8. A device for resetting thecipher roll of a counter having a transfer pinion for operating saidcipher roll comprising, in combination: a casing in which said cipherroll is mounted for rotation; a reset slide member substantiallyU-shaped having legs extending along each side of said cipher rollmounted for sliding reciprocal movement withing said casing; a resetfinger pivotally mounted within said casing and adapted to set saidcipher roll to a predetermined zero position when said finger isactuated; means directly coupling said transfer pinion to said resetslide member including an axle shaft on which said transfer pinion issaid shaft being channeled within a straight inclined path directedtoward and remote from the center of said cipher roll such that whensaid shaft rests against one end of said path said transfer pinion isengaged with said cipher roll and when said shaft rests against theother end of said path, said transfer pinion is disengaged from saidcipher roll, and also including a pair of slotted holes defined in saidlegs of said reset member, said axle shaft being journaled within saidslotted holes, said holes having a first longitudinal passage in thedirection of reset member movement, and a second passage connecting tosaid first passage and angularly inclined in relation thereto fordisengaging said transfer pinion from said cipher roll when said resetmember passes a first predetermined point on the forward movementthereof and for engaging said transfer pinion with said cipher roll whensaid reset member passes said first predetermined point on the returnmovement thereof; means linking said reset member with said reset fingerfor actuating said finger to set and lock said cipher roll to saidpredetermined zero position when said reset member passes a secondpredetermined point beyond said first predetermined point on the forwardmovement thereof; and means responsive to movement of said transferpinion for releasing said cipher roll from said reset finger after saidtransfer pinion is moved toward said cipher roll and is re-engaged withsaid cipher roll.